FAR 91.130 — Class C Airspace
FAR 91.130 explains Class C airspace rules: two-way radio communications, transponder requirements, and traffic pattern compliance for pilots.
In Plain English
FAR 91.130 sets the rules for flying into, out of, and within Class C airspace. The primary airport is the airport the Class C is built around; any other airport inside the Class C is a satellite airport.
Key requirements:
- Two-way radio communications must be established with the ATC facility providing services before entering Class C, and maintained while inside.
- Communication is considered established when the controller responds using your call sign.
- If departing the primary airport or a satellite with a tower, talk to that tower and follow ATC instructions.
- If departing a satellite without a tower, contact the controlling ATC facility as soon as practicable after takeoff.
- Takeoffs and landings at satellite airports must follow FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.
- Your aircraft must have the equipment required by § 91.215 (transponder with Mode C) and, after Jan 1, 2020, § 91.225 (ADS-B Out).
ATC may authorize deviations. Operationally, this rule keeps traffic sequenced and separated around busy airports with radar service.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.130§ 91.130 Operations in Class C airspace.
(a)Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operation in Class C airspace must be conducted in compliance with this section and § 91.129. For the purpose of this section, the primary airport is the airport for which the Class C airspace area is designated. A satellite airport is any other airport within the Class C airspace area.
(b)No person may take off or land an aircraft at a satellite airport within a Class C airspace area except in compliance with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.
(c)Each person operating an aircraft in Class C airspace must meet the following two-way radio communications requirements:
(1)Each person must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility (including foreign ATC in the case of foreign airspace designated in the United States) providing air traffic services prior to entering that airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while within that airspace.
(2)Each person—
(i) From the primary airport or satellite airport with an operating control tower must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC while operating in the Class C airspace area; or
(ii) From a satellite airport without an operating control tower, must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area as soon as practicable after departing.
(d)Unless otherwise authorized by the ATC having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area, no person may operate an aircraft within a Class C airspace area designated for an airport unless that aircraft is equipped with the applicable equipment specified in § 91.215, and after January 1, 2020, § 91.225.
(e)An operator may deviate from any provision of this section under the provisions of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the airspace concerned. ATC may authorize a deviation on a continuing basis or for an individual flight, as appropriate.
[Docket 24458, 56 FR 65659, Dec. 17, 1991, as amended by Amdt. 91-232, 58 FR 40736, July 30, 1993; Amdt. 91-239, 59 FR 11693, Mar. 11, 1994; Amdt. 91-314, 75 FR 30193, May 28, 2010]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What are the communication requirements to enter Class C airspace?
Per FAR 91.130(c), you must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing services prior to entering Class C airspace and maintain those communications while inside.
Q2What equipment is required to operate in Class C airspace?
FAR 91.130(d) requires the equipment specified in § 91.215 (Mode C transponder) and, after January 1, 2020, § 91.225 (ADS-B Out).
Q3If you depart a satellite airport inside Class C without a control tower, what must you do?
Under FAR 91.130(c)(2)(ii), you must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace as soon as practicable after departing.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 91